BIOL 320 - Biogeography

Credit(s): 3
This course explores the complexity of factors leading to past and present spatial patterns of biodiversity. Integration of geographical, geological, ecological and evolutionary principles will try to answer the question, “Why and how does biological diversity vary across the planet?” There will be an emphasis on factors that drive both speciation and extinction including: climate, dispersion, genetic drift, competition, geographic isolation and human activity. Also covered will be methods of evaluating evolutionary relationships using the fossil record, cladistics and molecular systematics.

Prerequisites: BIOL 120
Course Level: Undergraduate
Crosslistings: EVSC 320